Tangerang, October 7, 2026 - Young Indonesian talents developed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) through the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas) have once again achieved impressive success on the international stage. Five Indonesian students who participated in the 2026 International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) successfully brought home three bronze medals, one Honorable Mention, and the Winner of the Poster Competition.
The three bronze medals were won by Muhammad Zhafif from SMAS Kharisma Bangsa, South Tangerang City; Khalil Azyumardi Abnel from MAN 1 Pekanbaru, Pekanbaru City; and Yugo Deandra Wirayudha from SMA Negeri 1 Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency. Meanwhile, Muhammad Bagir from SMA Negeri 8 Jakarta won Honorable Mention. In addition to these achievements, Muhammad Faiz Rahman from SMAS Pesantren Unggul Al Bayan, Sukabumi Regency, also achieved success through the Winner of the Poster Competition as a team with a work entitled "VGOS in SEA, and the FUTURE of HUMANKIND."
The Head of the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas), Maria Veronica Irene Herdjiono, expressed her appreciation to all Indonesian delegates who had competed in the 2026 IOAA. According to her, the achievements at the international event are part of a long process in developing students' potential.
"This achievement proves that Indonesia's young talent has the potential to compete globally. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education continues to strengthen ongoing talent development so that this potential can develop, achieve, and ultimately contribute to Indonesia's progress," explained Maria Veronica Irene Herdjiono, Head of the National Center for National Education (Puspresnas) at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, on Monday (October 5).
Achievement at the 2026 IOAA also reinforces the Ministry of Education and Culture's commitment to building a sustainable student talent management ecosystem. International achievement is not viewed as an end in itself, but as part of a student's journey to develop competencies, character, experience, and contribution to society.
Indonesian students' participation in the 2026 IOAA is part of the Ministry of Education and Culture's ongoing talent development process. Before joining the Indonesian delegation, students undergo a series of selection processes, starting with the National Science Olympiad (OSN) in Astronomy. OSN winners then undergo a series of training and selection processes, until the top five students are selected to represent Indonesia at the 2026 IOAA.
One of them is Muhammad Zhafif from Kharisma Bangsa High School. "The event was a very valuable experience for me. Besides competing, we built a network with students from all over the world," Zhafif said.
Zhafif also felt that the journey from participating in OSN to international events provided experiences that not only strengthened abilities but also shaped character.
"Achieving success in the National Science Olympiad (OSN) is certainly a privilege. The long journey I've been on, from participating in OSN to achieving success at international events, has not only provided me with a wealth of knowledge and experience, but has also been instrumental in shaping my character," added Zhafif.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Zhafif's parent, Muhammad Joni, said he was proud of his son's achievements in winning a medal at the 2026 IOAA.
"Alhamdulillah, as parents, we are very grateful for Zhafif's achievements at the IOAA. We would like to thank the Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education and the National Children's Center for Education and Training for providing guidance and support to Zhafif, enabling him to achieve international success," said Muhammad Joni.
Yugo Deandra Wirayudha, from SMA Negeri 1 Purwokerto, also shared a memorable experience. "IOAA is one of my most unforgettable experiences and memories. The coaching provided by Puspresnas was also very helpful, especially in preparing me for international competition," he said.
IOAA 2026 is an international competition in astronomy and astrophysics for secondary school students. This year, the competition took place in Hanoi, with the academic center at Phenikaa University. A total of 320 participants from 66 countries competed in the event. *** (Author: Ririn/Documentation: Puspresnas Team/Editor: Denty)
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